Captain Kolinio Sivoki scored a decisive free-kick in the second half, leading Navua to a 2-1 triumph over Rewa in the second Super Premier semifinal of the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
Rewa faced a significant setback before the match as their leading scorer, John Urobulu, was unavailable due to visa issues. The Navua squad, coached by Saiyad Ali, executed counter-attacks effectively, with Usaia Tilivarua being fouled in the box, resulting in a penalty attempt by Jared Rongosulia, which was impressively saved by Rewa goalkeeper Jolame Domonikibau.
Rewa took the lead just before halftime with a skillful finish from veteran Samuela Kautoga. However, Navua came out strong in the second half, with Simione Damuni equalizing in the 47th minute following a mix-up among Rewa’s defenders. Sivoki then showcased his talent by scoring a spectacular free-kick in the 74th minute, launching the ball into the roof of the net and leaving the Rewa players and fans in disbelief.
Despite Rewa’s efforts to find an equalizer, the Navua defense, expertly anchored by Sivoki, goalkeeper Jovilisi Borisi, Arami Manumanubai, and Filipe Baravilala, held firm, ensuring Navua’s place in the grand final.
Navua is set to face Labasa in the final at 3 PM.
The starting lineups featured:
**Extra Supermarket Rewa** – Jolame Domonikibau, Ivan Kumar, Leon Kofana, Patrick Joseph, Setareki Hughes, Madhwan Goundar, Tevita Waranaivalu (C), Epeli Valevou, Stanton Alick, Samuela Kautoga, Iowane Matanisiga.
**Stratum Construction/Zeg Investment Navua** – Jovilisi Borisi, Simione Damuni, Jared Rongosulia, Usaia Tilivarua, Thomas Dunn, Arami Manumanubai, Jackson Wale, Vinal Prasad, Kolinio Sivoki (C), Filipe Baravilala, Zainal Ali.